How to Become a Painter and Decorator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Painting and decorating can change a dull room into a place people enjoy. Even small changes can make a big difference and give you pride in your work. If you like working with your hands and seeing results quickly, learning how to become a painter and decorator can start a career where you make rooms look bright, fresh and full of life.

Starting is easier than you think. For example, you can take a college course to learn the basics, join an apprenticeship to earn while you learn, or get experience by working on real jobs. At first, many people begin with simple tasks and slowly improve their skills. You do not always need formal qualifications. However, completing a diploma or NVQ can help you get noticed by employers or clients.

As you continue gaining experience, you can focus on the type of work you enjoy, earn more money, or even start your own decorating business. Shortly, becoming a painter and decorator mixes creativity, skill, and opportunity. Overall, it is a flexible, in-demand career where you can see the results of your work every day.

Now, let’s look closely at how you can become a painter and decorator.

What Does a Painter and Decorator Do?

Understanding the Role

Painters and decorators bring colour and life to spaces. To do this, they use paint, wallpaper, and finishes to change how a place looks and feels. You can see their work in homes, offices, shops, and old buildings. Because of this, the work feels different every day. Some decorators work in homes and make rooms look fresh and new. At the same time, others work in offices or shops to make these places look clean and welcoming. Besides that, some decorators work on old buildings and keep their original style. To say it simply, painters and decorators turn plain spaces into places people enjoy.

Key Responsibilities

Here are the main responsibilities of a painter and decorator

• Prepare walls and surfaces by filling holes, sanding rough spots, and sealing cracks for a smooth base.
• Cover floors, furniture, and fixtures carefully to keep everything clean.
• Mix paint to get the right colour and smooth finish the client wants.
• Apply paint, stains, varnishes, and finishes using brushes, rollers, or spray tools.
• Hang wallpaper neatly, making sure patterns match perfectly.
• Measure areas and calculate materials to avoid waste and save money.
• Clean and organise tools to keep them ready for the next job.
• Check the finished work and fix any mistakes to make it perfect.
• Talk with clients about colours, styles, and finishes to match their vision.

Why Should You Become a Painter and Decorator?

Job Satisfaction and Flexibility

Being a painter and decorator lets you work with your hands and see results right away. Every project is different. One day you might paint a living room, the next day you could fix an old building. This keeps work interesting and fun.

You can also focus on the type of work you like, such as painting, wallpapering, restoring old buildings, or working on shops and offices. Doing this lets you use your creativity and skill. At the same time, finishing a job gives you pride and satisfaction.

High Demand and Career Opportunities

Painters and decorators are needed more than ever in the UK. Experts say there could be a shortage of 27,738 workers by 2030 if not enough people start this career. This shows that learning this trade now can open many opportunities.

You can work for a company, take freelance jobs, or start your own business. This gives you the freedom to choose the projects you like. As you gain experience, you can handle bigger jobs, specialise in areas you enjoy, and earn more money. Every day brings new work and the satisfaction of seeing your skills make spaces look great.

Earning Potential

If you start as an apprentice, you earn about £7.55 per hour, which is around £14,800–£14,918 a year. This lets you learn while working and gain real experience from skilled decorators.

Once you finish basic training, a newly qualified painter or decorator can earn around £26,000 per year. For entry-level roles with 0–2 years of experience, salaries are usually £18,000–£22,000. As you gain experience and take on bigger projects, you can earn more and even specialise in areas that pay more.

How to Become a Painter and Decorator?

Skills for Painters & Decorators

The main core skills that you need to be a professional painter and decorator:

• Eye for detail: Notice small mistakes and make the finish perfect.
• Follow instructions: Do the work exactly as the client or plan asks.
• Problem-solving: Fix problems quickly when things do not go as planned.
• Flexibility: Be ready to work on different types of projects.
• Teamwork: Work well with other people on the job.
• Customer care: Listen to clients and make their ideas come true.
• Accept feedback: Take advice to improve your work.
• Comfort at heights: Work safely on ladders or scaffolds.
• Health and safety: Keep yourself and others safe while working.
• Organised: Keep your tools, materials, and work area neat and ready.

Additional Skills for Success

Even though these skills are not required, they can help you stand out. Knowing basic business management is useful, especially if you want to work on your own. At the same time, basic computer skills make it easier to make quotes, plan schedules, and keep records.

Another helpful skill is calculating materials correctly. This saves money and avoids wasting paint or supplies. Learning these extra skills lets you work smarter, impress clients and grow your career faster.

Qualifications and Training

Do You Need Qualifications?

You do not need formal qualifications to start as a painter and decorator. However, having them can give you a real advantage. Clients and employers trust someone who can show they know the job.

Even a short course or diploma can help a lot. It teaches you the skills and techniques you need to do the work well. At the same time, it gives you confidence when working on real projects. In a competitive trade, these extra steps can help you stand out and get noticed more easily.

College or Training Provider

Local colleges and training providers offer Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Painting and Decorating. These courses teach practical skills and theory, including how to work safely and professionally.

If you are new to this trade or thinking about a career change, many colleges also offer part-time or short courses. Before joining, check the entry requirements, find nearby courses, and look for funding options to make learning easier. Taking one of these courses gives you a strong base for your career. You will gain the self-assurance and skills to work on real projects and start your career as a professional decorator.

Traineeships

Traineeships are for young people aged 16–24 who want to start learning a trade. They usually last 2 weeks to 6 months and give practical experience in a friendly, supportive place. During a traineeship, you learn basic skills and see how the trade works. You also gain confidence and get ready for the next step, like an apprenticeship or paid job. By the end, you will have a strong base and feel ready to work on real projects.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, giving you real work experience from the start. At the same time, you usually work at least 30 hours a week and spend some time at a college or training provider to learn the theory.

A typical intermediate apprenticeship lasts about 2 years. After completing it, you can move on to NVQ Level 3 or specialise in areas like heritage restoration. Some companies prefer candidates with English and Maths GCSEs but many do not. Overall, apprenticeships are one of the best ways to get practical experience, improve your skills, and create a career that you enjoy.

On-the-Job Training

You can also learn by helping a skilled painter or decorator. This can happen on weekends, during holidays, or through short work placements. By doing this, you get real experience and learn skills that you cannot get in a classroom. At the same time, on-the-job training shows you how real projects work from start to finish.

How to Get Painting Experience and Build Skills?

Work Experience

You can gain practical experience by joining school placements or helping family and friends with decorating or building tasks. This improves your skills and gives you examples to show on your CV. It also builds confidence and makes you more attractive to future employers.

Specialisation and Practice

Focus on the work you enjoy most, such as painting, wallpapering, heritage restoration or commercial decorating. Practising at home or on small projects helps you improve your style and techniques. Over time, regular practice makes your skills stronger and faster, which helps you stand out.

Further Qualifications

Take additional courses to grow in your career. NVQ Level 3, decorative finishing, or industrial painting give you advanced skills. These qualifications also open doors to supervisory or management roles and expand your opportunities in the trade.

What Tools Do You Need to Start as a Painter and Decorator?

Basic Tools

You must have these basic tools to do any painting job correctly:

• Brushes: Help you paint clean edges and small details.
• Rollers: Cover big walls quickly and smoothly.
• Paint Trays: Hold paint close and keep it neat.
• Sandpaper: Make walls smooth before painting.
• Fillers: Fill cracks and holes so walls look new.
• Stanley Knives: Cut wallpaper or materials neatly and safely.

Specialist Tools

The right equipment makes all the difference in your results. Wallpaper paste brushes help spread glue evenly so the wallpaper stays flat and smooth. Steamers make it easy to remove old wallpaper without hurting the wall. Sprayers cover hard-to-reach areas quickly and give a flawless finish. You also need ladders to reach high corners safely. Dust sheets protect floors, furniture, and other items from paint spills. Using these tools together helps you work faster, keep the area clean, and make your work look professional.

Workwear and Safety Gear

You must wear this safety gear to protect yourself while working:

• Overalls: Keep your clothes clean and let you can move easily.
• Gloves: Keep your hands safe from paint and rough materials.
• Eye Protection: Stop dust, paint, or small bits from getting in your eyes.
• Masks: Keep you safe from dust and strong fumes while working.

Which Insurance Do Painters and Decorators Need?

If you work as a painter and decorator, you need the right insurance and legal documents. Public liability insurance protects you if someone gets hurt or if you accidentally damage property. Employers’ liability insurance is needed if you hire staff and it keeps your team safe. You should also have tools insurance to protect your equipment from theft or accidents.

A CSCS card is required to work on construction sites. It shows you know safety rules and are trained. Together, these insurances and documents keep you, your team and your clients safe. They also show that you are professional and responsible, which helps people trust you and your work.

How to Find Painter and Decorator Jobs?

Finding work as a painter and decorator is easier when you know where to look and how to show your skills. Start by checking online job sites, local colleges and trade directories for apprenticeships or job openings. At the same time, focus on building your reputation. Use platforms like Checkatrade and ask happy clients for reviews. Word-of-mouth and referrals are very powerful because people trust recommendations from others. You should also promote your services locally. Share photos of your work on social media, hand out business cards, and use local ads to get noticed. By following these steps, you can find jobs faster, get more clients, and grow your career as a painter and decorator.

How Can Painters and Decorators Grow Their Career?

As you gain experience, you can take advanced courses and specialise in work like decorative finishing, industrial painting, or heritage restoration. This helps you take on bigger projects and become really good at the work you enjoy.

At the same time, you can move into higher roles, such as supervisor, team manager, interior designer, set designer, or estimator. These jobs let you lead projects, work closely with clients, and earn more.

Another choice is self-employment. You can start your own decorating business, take on subcontracting work, set your prices and promote your services. This gives you freedom, control over your projects and a chance to build a strong reputation with clients.

How Do You Start a Career as a Painter and Decorator?

Step 1: Choose Your Path

Decide how you want to start your career. You can join an apprenticeship, take a college course, try a traineeship or learn on the job. Pick the option that suits you best.

Step 2: Learn the Basics

Start with small projects to practise using tools and learning techniques. Learn how to prepare surfaces, mix paint and apply finishes. These skills give you a strong foundation.

Step 3: Get Qualified

Take an NVQ or similar course. This shows employers and clients that you know your trade and can do the job well.

Step 4: Gain Experience

Work with other decorators, take small jobs or volunteer. Hands-on experience helps you improve your skills and feel more confident.

Step 5: Set Up Your Career

Decide if you want to work for a company or be self-employed. Gather your tools, get insurance, and be ready to start working.

Step 6: Specialise and Grow

Focus on the work you enjoy most. Keep improving your skills, find more clients and grow your career.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Painter and Decorator

So, how to become a painter and decorator? Start by choosing your path and learning the basics. Then, get proper training and practice on real projects. Each step helps you build skills and confidence for bigger jobs.

This career is flexible, in-demand and rewarding. You can see the results of your work every day, take pride in what you create and choose the projects you enjoy. Over time, you can specialise, earn more and even start your own business.

The first step is the most important. Join a course, start an apprenticeship, or practise on small projects. Every small step brings you closer to a career full of creativity, skill, and opportunity.

FAQs

• Do painters and decorators make good money?
  Yes! Beginners earn around £18k–£26k, and experienced decorators can make up to £50k+ a year.

• How long does it take to train as a painter and decorator?
  Training can take a few months with short courses or 1–2 years through apprenticeships.

• How to get started as a painter and decorator?
  Start with an apprenticeship, college course, traineeship, or on-the-job experience.

• Do painters earn a lot of money?
  Skilled decorators can earn very well, especially if they specialise or run their own business.

• What is the 80/20 rule in painting?
  It means 80% of your time is prep work, and 20% is painting itself. Prep is key to perfect results!

• What should a painter charge per day?
  Daily rates vary from £100 to £200+, depending on experience, location, and job type.

• How much to paint a 2-bedroom house in the UK?
  On average, expect £800–£1,500, depending on size, prep and finish quality.